Sample collection and processing device

ABSTRACT

A volume-adjusting insert for sample vessels comprises an elongated body with a septum seal on one end and a seal surface on the outside of the body. A through-chamber in the body provides a receiving chamber for a hypodermic needle inserted into the septum. The seal surface of the insert defines a reduced-volume sample chamber comprising the through-chamber and the vessel chamber portion of the sample vessel below the insert, or alternatively, below the seal surface. Sample fluid injected into, or withdrawn from, the insert communicates with the through-chamber and the lower vessel chamber. The device is particularly useful in converting multi-well microplates to low sample-volume vessels for automated sampling and testing, and allows the hydraulic pressure generated by a hypodermic needle to transport the sample fluid through the sample vessel and out of a bottom-extraction element.

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application No. 09/263,229, filedMar. 5 1999, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sample collection and processingdevices and, more particularly, to sample processing and collectiondevices used with automated sampling and testing equipment.

The growth in medical and pharmaceutical research as well as diagnosticanalysis and testing has created a need for equipment and procedures forlow cost, high-speed sample collection and processing. Automatedequipment is available for filling and retrieval of samples from samplewells, vials, bottles and other containers.

Microplates comprising a plurality of sample wells provide a convenientmeans to store samples. Automated equipment positions microplates forsample filling, retrieving, and analysis. Despite improvements in samplehandling equipment, many applications require manual labor whenperforming evolutions such as; preparing sample containers or vials,[relocation of] relocating sample containers, and passing sample fluidsthrough process elements such as absorbents, adsorbents, filters, solidphase extraction mediums, or additive compound materials. Manualprocessing steps are usually required when sample numbers areinsufficient to justify design and building custom automated equipment.

Often the wells of microplates are used as the sample containers. Inother applications, vials or sample bottles are inserted [in] into thewells of microplates to contain the samples or testing fluids.

Certain types of testing such as chromatography, combinatorialchemistry, or high-throughput screening utilize processing of a sampleby a processing element such as solid phase extraction medium, a filter,or an adsorbent disk. The compounds of interest are recovered by passingsolvents through the processing element. This process requires multiplesteps that are difficult to automate, especially if the sample numbersare not sufficiently large to justify specialized equipment, containersand processes.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a samplecollection and processing device which is well suited to automationutilizing standard laboratory testing equipment, containers, andprocedures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a samplecollection and processing device which utilizes a penetrating sampleextraction/depositing element such as a hypodermic needle to insert,remove or reposition the sample collection and processing device into,or out of, sample containers without special connection or attachmentdevices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a samplecollection and processing device which incorporates integral processelements such as filters, adsorbent or absorbent disks, solid phaseextraction mediums and additive compound materials. Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a sample collection and processingdevice which allows sample collection and extraction of a sample withoutremoval of the device from the sample container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a samplecollection and processing device which is low in cost.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a samplecollection and processing device which is compatible with many differentsample containers or sample blocks.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide avolume-adjusting insert for sample vessels or wells which reduces thevolume of the sample vessel or well, allows communication of samplefluid into and out of the insert, and allows positioning of the [inert]insert with a penetrating sample element.

The sample collection and processing device comprises a body insertableinto a sample container. The device has a septum at the top end of thebody, an elongated sample chamber interior to the body and, optionally,a sample collection and deposit opening at the bottom end of the body.The septum is [penetrateable] penetrable by a penetrating fluid sampledeposit/extraction element such as a hypodermic needle. The device maybe sized for a loose or tight fit in a sample bottle, vial, sample blockwell, or other form of sample container. The septum seals the hypodermicneedle to the elongated sample chamber of the sample device.

The elongated sample chamber provides axial alignment of the device withthe needle when the needle is inserted into the sample chamber. Thecombination of frictional engagement of the hypodermic needle with theseptum and/or the elongated chamber and alignment of the needle and thesample chamber allows accurate positioning of the sample collection andprocessing device relative to other equipment or devices by thehypodermic needle. No special clamping or extra positioning equipment isrequired for withdrawal, moving and insertion of the sample device into,and out of, a sample container. Alternatively, an entire samplecontainer may be moved by the hypodermic needle when the samplecollecting and processing device is sized for a tight fit with thesample container.

The sample chamber is open to, and communicates with, the samplecollection and deposit opening at the bottom end of the device.Optionally, the device comprises one or more sample processing elementssuch as adsorbent or absorbent disks, filters, solid phase extractionelements, or compound additive elements located in a process chamberpositioned between the sample chamber and the sample collection anddeposit opening. The device permits sample or processing fluid flow fromthe hypodermic needle to the bottom opening, or alternatively, betweenthe opening and the hypodermic needle.

Other embodiments of the sample device incorporate a needle guidebetween the top septum and the sample chamber. The needle guidepositions the needle as it exits the septum to guide the needle into thesample chamber. In still other embodiments, a second septum or[penetrateable] penetrable seal is positioned at the bottom end of theelongated sample chamber. The [penetrateable] penetrable seal allows thehypodermic needle to fully penetrate the sample device and deposit orextract sample in a container at a level below the device withoutremoving the sample device from the container.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a volume-adjusting sealedinsert for a sample well or vessel. The insert has a body with athrough-chamber and a septum seal at the top of the insert. A sealsurface on the outside of the body seals against the inside surface ofthe sample vessel to define a reduced-volume sample chamber comprisingthe through-chamber of the body and a lower chamber formed between thebottom of the sealed insert and the bottom of the sample vessel. Samplefluid injected into the insert from a penetrating sample element can bedirected to and from the through-chamber and the lower chamber.

In bottom-extraction sample vessels, the sample fluid also communicateswith the bottom extraction sample opening. The insert with septum andthrough-chamber sealed in the vessel allows the penetrating sampleelement such as a hypodermic needle to provide the hydraulic pressure totransport the sample through the insert, through a processing element(such as an absorbent disc) and exit through the bottom-extractionopening of the vessel.

Such an [inert] insert provides volume adjustment of a sample well inseveral ways. The insert may be used as a volume-reducing insert inwhich the reduced volume of the through-chamber and/or lower chamberprovides an effective micro-sampling vessel. The insert may also be usedto provide an enhanced-volume capability in that a needle of a syringeinserted into the septum and through-chamber provides a selectably largesample volume which may be passed through a processing element below theinsert. Thus, the insert of the present invention provides a means toincrease the flexibility of existing sample wells for many samplingpurposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section drawing of embodiment 100 of the samplecollection and processing device having a crimp cap with integralseptum, and a bottom [penetrateable] penetrable seal, the septum and thebottom seal penetrable by a hypodermic needle shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 2A is a side elevation and partial cross-section drawing ofembodiment 200 of the sample collection and processing device held by ahypodermic needle, the device being inserted into a sample well;

FIG. 2B is a side elevation and partial cross-section drawing ofembodiment 200 of the sample collection and processing device insertedinto a sample well and a vacuum drawn in the device by the hypodermicneedle, drawing a sample fluid into the device through a processingelement;

FIG. 2C is a side elevation and partial cross-section drawing ofembodiment 200 of the sample collection and processing device insertedinto a second sample well by the hypodermic needle, the needle injectinga solvent into the sample chamber and through the processing elementinto the second sample well;

FIG. 2D is a side elevation and partial cross-section drawing ofembodiment 200 of the sample collection and processing device insertedinto the second sample well and the needle further inserted into thesample device so that the needle fully penetrates a bottom[penetrateable] penetrable seal so that the needle can extract sample inthe second sample well below the device without removal of the sampledevice;

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of the samplecollection and processing device insertable into one of the wells of a96 well sample block by a hypodermic needle;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of embodiment 400 of the sample collection andprocessing device moveable by a hypodermic needle;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of a volume-adjusting insert for a samplevessel comprising an insert body with a through-chamber, a crimp capcomprising a septum seal, and a seal surface on the lower portion of theinsert body outside surface to seal the insert against the insidediameter of the sample vessel; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of a volume-adjusting insert for abottom-extraction sample block comprising multiple bottom-extractionsample wells, the insert insertable in the wells of the block.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following is a description of the preferred embodiments of a samplecollection and processing device suitable for high speed automatedsampling machinery.

FIG. 1 is an elevation drawing of embodiment 100 of the samplecollection and processing device. Body 101 defines an interior samplechamber 103 having a first or top end 105 and a second or bottom end107. In the preferred embodiment, body 101 made of a chemically inertplastic material such as PTFE or polypropylene. Body 101 may beinjection molded, die cast, machined, or made by other formingtechniques. In still other embodiments, body 101 may be made of glass,metal, ceramics or composites. Septum 109 in end cap 111 encloses end105 of chamber 103. Septum 109 comprises a sealant 113 such as silicagel sandwiched between upper seal layer 115 and lower seal layer 117.Seal layers 115 and 117 are made of a chemically inert material such asPTFE.

Septum 109 maintains sealing of chamber 103 during, and subsequent to,penetration of a deposit/extraction element such as hypodermic needle119. Opening 121 in end cap 111 facilitates penetration of needle 119into chamber 103. Crimp edge 123 of end cap 111 secures end cap 111 toflange 125 of body 101. In the preferred embodiment, end cap 111 is ametal crimp cap such as aluminum. In other embodiments, end cap 111 maybe made of plastic, glass or composites.

In the preferred embodiment, bottom end 107 of sample chamber 103comprises reduced-diameter lower body portion 127. [Penetrateable]Penetrable seal 126, located at the bottom end 107 seals the bottom endof sample chamber 103. In the preferred embodiment, seal 126 is anon-through portion of sample chamber 103 formed during injectionmolding and made of the same material as body 101. In other embodiments,seal 126 is a separate seal made of a [penetrateable] penetrable ordeformable material such as plastic. In still other embodiments, seal126 may be a septum similar to septum 109.

Lower portion 127 and end tube 131 define annular processing chamber133. End tube 131 is attached to body 101 by interference fit, shrinkfit, or adhesives. In other embodiments, end tube 131 is integrallymolded with body 101. The preferred material for end tube 131 is PTFE.Upper processing element 135 and lower processing element 137 areretained in annular space 133 by an interference fit. Retention ring 139improves retention of processing elements 135 and 137 in annular space133. Processing elements 135 and [136] 137 may be separation mediumssuch as absorbent or adsorbent disks, filters, or solid phase extractionmediums. In other embodiments, processing elements 135 and 137 may beadditive media such as dissolvable additives.

Aperture 141 in lower portion 127 of body 101 allows communication ofsample fluid in chamber 103 with annular processing space 133. In thepreferred embodiment, aperture 141 is a drilled hole. Aperture 141 isdrilled prior to attachment of end tube 131. In the preferredembodiment, processing elements 135 and 137 are positioned betweenaperture 141 and end opening 143. Lip 145 spaces elements 135 and 137from aperture 141 and prevents blockage of aperture 141. Lip 145 alsodefines an upper portion of annular processing space 133 which providesa distribution area for fluid passing through processing elements 135and 137.

The features of the device allow multiple useful functions, depending onthe requirements. For example, the device processes sample fluidsextracted by hypodermic needle 119. Needle 119 is inserted throughseptum 109 and into sample chamber 103. Conical section 104 of chamber103 acts as a needle guide to ensure the hypodermic needle is guidedinto the restricted diameter portion of chamber 103. In this embodiment,restriction of the diameter of chamber 103 is desirable to reduce theamount of sample retained inside the device. The restricted diameterportion of elongated sample chamber 103 also provides axial alignment ofthe device with needle 119.

A vacuum source (not shown) connected to hypodermic needle 119, draws avacuum in chamber 103. Sample fluid, surrounding the lower portion ofbody [103] 101, is drawn into chamber 103 and hypodermic needle 119[though] through bottom opening 143, passing through processing elements137 and 135, and aperture 141. Processing elements 135 and 137 areselected to remove or pass desired components or contaminants of thesample fluid.

Sample components, removed by processing elements 135 and 137 arerecovered by injecting solvent into chamber 103 by hypodermic needle119. The positive pressure resulting from the injection of solvent intothe chamber drives the solvent through aperture 141, through processingelements 135 and 137, and out bottom opening 143. The solvent,containing components washed or dissolved from elements 135 and 137 bythe solvent may be extracted by hypodermic needle 119 simply by furtherinserting hypodermic needle through [penetrateable] penetrable seal 126and connecting a vacuum source to needle 119. The sample and solventprocesses may also be reversed. For example, hypodermic needle 119 mayinject a sample into chamber 103, through aperture 141, elements 135 and137, and out bottom opening 143. Processing elements 135 and 137 retaindesired components of the sample. Placement of the device in a solventand connection of a vacuum source to needle 119 allows collection of thesolvent containing the desired components after passing through elements135 and 137. In still other embodiments, processing elements 135 and 137may be used to mix additives contained in the elements to a sample orsolvent processed by the device.

FIGS. 2A-2D show embodiment 200 of the sample collection and processingdevice and its use in a sample well. Sample processing device 200comprises tubular body 201 defining outer sample chamber 203. Needleguide 205 guides needle 227 into inner sample tube 207 defining innersample chamber 209. Upper [penetratable] penetrable seal or septum 211seals the upper portion of inner sample chamber 209 and lower[penetrateable] penetrable seal or septum 213 seals the lower end ofinner sample chamber 209. Resilient edge 210 secures snap cap 212 ontotubular body 201. In the preferred embodiment, tubular body 201, needleguide 205 and inner sample tube 207 are made of a plastic material suchas polypropylene. In other embodiments, these components are made ofmetal, glass or composites. In the preferred embodiment, snap cap 212 ismade of a resilient plastic material such as polyethylene orpolypropylene.

Aperture 215 allows communication between inner chamber 209 and outersample chamber 203. A processing element 216, made up of a processingmaterial 218 sandwiched by upper frit 217 and lower frit 219, ispositioned in the lower portion of outer sample chamber 203, betweenaperture 215 and outer sample chamber 203 bottom end opening 221. Frits217 and 219 retain processing material 218 but allow sample fluids andsolvents to pass through. Processing material 218 may be an adsorbentmaterial, a solid phase extraction media, a filter, or an additivematerial.

FIG. 2A shows sample collection and processing device 200 being insertedin sample well 223 containing sample 225. Hypodermic needle 227 has beenpartially inserted into inner chamber 209 and retained [on] in needle227 by frictional forces with septum 211 and, in some embodiments, byfrictional forces with inner sample tube 207. Support element 229, partof the external sampling equipment, supports needle 227 and holds sampledevice 200 during withdrawal of needle 227.

FIG. 2B shows device 200 inserted into sample well 223 until lower capedge 239 of FIG. 2A contacts sample well top 241 by lowering hypodermicneedle 227 in direction 243. A vacuum in hypodermic needle 227 drawssample 225 through processing element 216 and into outer sample chamber203. Sample 225 is also drawn into inner sample chamber 209 throughaperture 215. Sample device 200 containing the processed sample 225 iswithdrawn by raising hypodermic needle 227 in direction 245.

FIG. 2C shows sample device 200 inserted in a second sample well 247utilizing hypodermic needle 227. The sample well may be empty whendevice 200 is inserted. Solvent 228, injected by hypodermic needle 227into inner sample chamber 209, passes through aperture 215, into outersample chamber 203, and dissolves sample contaminants or componentsretained in processing element 216. The processed solvent 249,containing the dissolved contaminants, passes through end opening 221and collects in the bottom of sample well 247.

FIG. 2D shows hypodermic needle 227 fully inserted through device 200 inthe direction of arrow 246 so that hole 251 in the end of hypodermicneedle 227 penetrates [penetrateable] penetrable seal 213. Attaching avacuum source to hypodermic needle 227 allows extraction of processedsolvent 249 without removal of device 200 from well 247. The samehypodermic needle is used for sample device insertion into the samplewell, extraction of the sample through a processing element to processthe sample and retain sample [contaminates] contaminants, movement ofthe sample device to a second empty sample well, injection of solventsthrough the processing element to dissolve contaminants retained in theprocessing elements, and extraction of the processed solvent containingthe dissolved [contaminates] contaminants.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of sample block 301 comprising a matrixof 12 rows of sample wells 303. Each row containing 8 wells. Samplewells 303 may comprise rectangular side walls 305, or cylindrical walls.Sample collection and storage devices 307 are inserted manually, orretained by hypodermic needles 309 and inserted or removed individuallyor in groups. Use of sample block 301 with sample device 307 allowsprocessing of 96 samples quickly and reliably by automated equipment. Inthe preferred embodiment, sample block 301 is made of a plastic materialsuch as polypropylene. In other embodiments, sample block 301 is made ofglass, metal, composites or ceramics.

Other sample blocks having different numbers, arrays and sizes of wellsmay be used with the sample processing devices. Individual samplecontainers may also be used with the devices. Other fluids such as airor sample gasses may be sampled and processed with the device.

FIG. 4 shows embodiment 400 of the sample collection and processingdevice. In this embodiment, septum 109 seals hypodermic needle 119 withchamber 103 when hypodermic needle 119 is inserted into the devicesimilar to that shown in FIG. 2A. Sealing of hypodermic needle 119allows device 400 to collect a sample through the bottom opening 405 ofthe device when a vacuum is drawn in needle 119. Sample drawn intoopening 405 passes through processing elements 137 and 135 beforeentering chamber 103 and needle 119. Sample or solvent may be injectedby needle 119. Due to the sealing effect of septum 109, the injectedsample passes into chamber [403] 401 above sample processing elements135 and 137, through processing elements 135 and 137, and out end 405.

Septum 109 also provides a means to attach device 400 to needle 119 byfrictional contact with septum 109. The frictional contact allows needle119 to remove and reposition device 400 by movement of needle 119.Additional frictional contact of needle 119 with the inside surface ofchamber 103 provides an additional means to secure the device to needle119. Needle guide 104 guides needle 119 into chamber 103. Chamber 103provides an alignment means for device 400 to ensure chamber 103 ofsample device 400 remains aligned axially with needle 119 duringmovement or repositioning of the sample device. Maintenance of a closefit between chamber 103 inner diameter and needle 119 outer diameterprovides the desired axial alignment. The diametrical clearance requiredto provide alignment may vary from a close sliding fit to a diametricalclearance of up to 0.20″. In applications requiring close axialalignment, the diametrical clearance between needle 119 outer diameterand chamber 103 inner diameter is preferable less than 0.10″, morepreferably less than 0.05″, and in the most critical applications, adiametrical fit of less than 0.002″. In still other embodiments, aslight interference fit is employed.

The length of the reduced diameter portion (below needle guide 104) ofchamber 103 should be sufficient to permit penetration of needle 119 toa depth providing good axial alignment of needle 119 to chamber 103 whensubjected to external forces encountered during sampling procedures. Inone embodiment, the reduced diameter portion of chamber 103 is at leasttwo chamber diameters in length, and more preferably, at least fivechamber diameters in length. In the most preferred embodiments, thereduced diameter portion of chamber 103 is at least 10 inner diametersin length.

Use of small diametrical clearances and reduction of chamber 103 andneedle guide length reduces internal volume of the device. Internalvolume reduction in some applications is desirable to reduce vacuumrequirements and undesirable mixing of sample and solvent fluids. Theexternal dimensions of the device may be chosen to fit any of a varietyof sample containers or sample blocks. In alternative embodiments of thedevice, the processing chamber 403, processing elements 135 and 137, andoptionally, end tube 131 are omitted. In these embodiments, the deviceis used as a sample collection and depositing device positionable byneedle 119.

FIG. 5 is an elevation cross section of yet another embodiment of theinvention incorporating a volume-adjusting insert 500 for bottomextraction sample wells and vessels. Insert 500 comprises a body 501having a seal or septum 109 at the upper end 505 or needle guide 506portion of sample chamber 503. A vessel seal surface 507 is disposed onthe lower end portion 509 of body 501.

In the preferred embodiments, septum 109 is incorporated into a cap suchas crimp cap 111. In other embodiments, septum 109 is incorporated intosnap caps such as those disclosed in application 09/108,339, herebyincorporated as a reference. Or, septum 109 may be incorporated intoscrew caps such as open-hole or septum-penetrable screw caps. In stillother embodiments, septum 109 is integral to body 501 at the upperportion of chamber 503 by inserting or forming a seal or septum materialin the upper portion of the chamber.

In the preferred embodiments, seal surface 507 is an outside surface ofseal ring 508 at the lower end portion 509 of body 501, sealing body 501and a interior wall surface 511 of a bottom extraction sample vessel513.

Other preferred embodiments comprise a bottom seal surface 515 of lowerend portion 509. Bottom seal surface 515 may seal body 501 of insert 500to a frit or processing element 510 (similar to 135 of FIG. 4) in thelower portion 519 of sample vessel 513. Alternatively, bottom sealsurface 515 may seal body 501 to bottom surface 521 of sample vessel 515if no processing element is utilized.

Seal surfaces 507 and 515 seal body 501 to the lower end portion ofvessel 513 to form a sealed vessel chamber 523 which communicates withchamber 503 of body 501 and bottom extraction opening 525 of bottomextraction tube 527. Bottom opening 525 may optionally be sealed by aseptum or other seal means. Chamber 523 and 503 together define areduced-volume sample chamber with a volume significantly reduced ascompared to the volume of sample well 513. In some embodiments, body 501is sufficiently long so that the effective volume of the sample chamberis the volume of chamber 503 only.

Sample fluid may be drawn into or expelled from extraction tube 527, forexample by external suction or pressure chambers. Or, a penetrationelement 530 may be used to extract or deposit sample fluid from/intoopening 525. Distributor chamber 529 at the lower portion of chamber 503provides an expansion chamber for sample fluid from chamber 503 tovessel chamber 523.

In the preferred embodiments, body 501 is generally cylindrical in shapeand made from a chemically inert plastic such as polypropylene orfluoropolymers, for example by injection molding. In other embodiments,body 501 is made from other polymers, glass, ceramics or metal. Theshape and dimensioning of seal ring 508 is made to match and, sealagainst, the inner wall surface 511 at the depth of contact. In thepreferred embodiments, seal surface 507 is a smooth surface dimensionedto provide a tight or slight interference fit with interior wall surface511. The fit between body 501 and the interior wall surface of vessel513 may be a loose fit above seal ring 508. In other embodiments, thesubstantial portion of body 501 forms a seal or tight fit with theinterior wall of vessel 513.

FIG. 6 is an assembly drawing of a volume-adjusting insert 600 beinginserted into a 96 well bottom-extraction tray 602. Body 601 of insert600 is generally cylindrically shaped and may comprise void or recessedareas 604 providing lightness and material reduction. Seal ring surface608 seals against interior wall surface 610 of sample well 612. Sealring surface 608 may be a raised or larger diameter portion of body 601,or it may seat on a restricted diameter portion of sample well 612.Septum 613 of snap cap 615 provides a means for penetration device 119to inject or extract sample fluid from insert 600 and sample wells 612and to provide a means to withdraw, insert and move insert 600 asdescribed previously. The septum seal material of the preferredembodiments is of sufficient resiliency to provide sufficient frictionalengagement with the penetration device to allow positioning of the[inert] insert by the penetration device. Insert 600 comprises athrough-sample chamber similar to chamber 503 of insert 500 of FIG. 5.Bottom extraction tube 614 also provides a means to inject and extractsample fluid from sample well 612. Although only one well 612 is shownin detail, other wells are similar. In a preferred embodiment, tray 602is a 96 well sample tray configured in an 8×12 array.

Other embodiments may employ different shape inserts and sample wells,such as inserts and wells of rectangular, triangular or other shapedcross sections. Inserts may be used with single or multi-well samplewells or vessels designed for bottom sample extraction known in the art.

Accordingly, the reader will see that the SAMPLE COLLECTION ANDPROCESSING DEVICE provides a device which collects and processes asample in conjunction with a sample and extraction element such as ahypodermic needle. The device provides the following additionaladvantages:

-   -   The sample device collects or deposits sample fluids or solvents        into or from a wide variety of sample containers;    -   The hypodermic needle becomes the conveyance means for inserting        the sample device in a container, sample vial or sample block        well, removing the device from the container, and moving the        device to another container or processing location;    -   The device accepts a variety of processing elements such as        solid phase extraction mediums, absorbents, adsorbents, filters        and additive compounds;    -   The device simplifies automation of sampling processes;    -   The device allows the user to optimize the volume of the sample        for the desired analytical method;    -   The device allows a hypodermic needle to provide the hydraulic        pressure necessary to convey sample fluid through the device;        and    -   The device is simple and low in cost.

Although the description above contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. For example, an insert may be made of anelongated tube insertable in a bottom extraction sample well, the tubehaving a closed upper end serving as a septum. Or, a processing elementsuch as an absorbent disc may be integrated into the bottom of theinsert. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examplesgiven.

1. A method of testing samples, the method comprising the steps:inserting a volume-adjusting insert into a sample vessel comprising abottom opening for communication of a sample fluid, the volume-adjustinginsert comprising a top and a bottom defining an axial direction, aseptum seal in an upper portion of the insert, a reduced-diameterportion having a close fit with an outside diameter of a penetratingsample deposit/extraction device element and a conical guide disposedbetween the septum seal and the reduced diameter portion, and a sealsurface on an outer surface of the insert for sealing an inside sealsurface of the sample vessel, the reduced-diameter portions defining afluid path with a bottom portion of the vessel defining below the sealsurface; positioning a penetrating sample deposit/extraction elementabove the insert; inserting the penetrating sample deposit/extractionelement through the septum seal, the conical guide, and into the reduceddiameter portion to a depth sufficient to provide axial alignment of theinsert and the sample deposit/extraction element; and transferring a thesample fluid between the sample deposit/extraction element and thebottom opening.
 2. The method of testing samples of claim 1 wherein thesteps of positioning a penetrating sample deposit/extraction elementabove the insert and inserting the penetrating sample deposit/extractionelement through the septum seal, the conical guide, and into thereduced-diameter portion is performed before the step of inserting avolume-adjusting insert into a sample vessel so that positioning theinsert for insertion into the vessel is performed with the sampledeposit/extraction element through frictional engagement of the sampledeposit/extraction element and the septum seal.
 3. The method of testingsamples of claim 1 wherein the bottom opening comprises an extendedportion having a reduced diameter as compared to the sample vessel at abeginning of the bottom opening and comprising the additional step ofutilizing hydraulic pressure generated by the penetrating sampledeposit/extraction element to transport the sample fluid through theinsert and out of the extended portion of the sample vessel.
 4. Themethod of testing samples of claim 3 comprising the additional step ofpassing the sample fluid through a processing element disposed betweenthe reduced diameter portion and the extended portion of the samplevessel.
 5. The method of testing samples of claim 3 wherein the samplevessel is one of a plurality of wells in a tray.
 6. The method oftesting samples of claim 5 wherein each of said plurality of wells in atray comprises an extended portion.
 7. The method of testing samples ofclaim 1 comprising the additional step of repositioning the insert toanother processing location after the step of transferring the samplefluid between the sample deposit/extraction element and the bottomopening by frictional engagement of the sample deposit/extractionelement and the septum seal.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein saidanother processing location is another vessel.
 9. A method of testingsamples, the method comprising the steps: inserting a processing deviceinto a sample vessel comprising a bottom opening for communication of asample fluid, the processing device comprising a first septum seal in anupper portion of the device, a an elongated reduced-diameter portiondefining an axial direction of the device, having a close fit with anoutside diameter of a penetrating sample deposit/extraction device anddisposed between the first septum seal and a bottom end, and a conicalguide disposed between the first septum seal and the reduced-diameterportion, the reduced-diameter portion defining a fluid path with abottom portion of the vessel; positioning a penetrating sampledeposit/extraction element above the first septum seal of the processingdevice; inserting the penetrating sample deposit/extraction elementthrough the first septum seal, the conical guide, and into thereduced-diameter portion to a depth sufficient to provide axialalignment of the sample deposit/extraction element and the device;transferring it the sample fluid between the sample deposit/extractionelement and the bottom opening of the vessel; and moving the device toanother processing location by frictional engagement between the sampledeposit/extraction element and the first septum seal.
 10. The method ofclaim 9 wherein a processing element is disposed in a the bottom portionof the vessel, and the sample fluid is transferred through theprocessing element by the sample deposit/extraction element.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 wherein the processing element is an adsorbentelement.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the processing element is anabsorbent element.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the processingelement is a filter.
 14. The method of testing samples of claim 9wherein the steps of positioning a penetrating sample deposit/extractionelement above the first septum seal of the processing device andinserting the penetrating sample deposit/extraction element through thefirst septum seal, the conical guide, and into the reduced-diameterportion is performed before the step of inserting a processing deviceinto a sample vessel so that positioning the device for insertion intothe vessel is performed with the sample deposit/extraction elementthrough frictional engagement of the sample deposit/extraction elementand the first septum seal.
 15. The method of claim 9 comprising theadditional step of withdrawing the device out of the sample vessel byfrictional engagement of the sample deposit/extraction element and thefirst septum seal after the step of inserting the penetrating sampledeposit/extraction element through the first septum seal, the conicalguide, and into the reduced-diameter portion.
 16. The method of claim 14comprising the additional step of withdrawing the device from the samplevessel and moving to a different processing location through frictionalengagement of the sample deposit/extraction element and the first septumseal, is performed after the step of transferring a sample fluid betweenthe sample deposit/extraction element and the bottom opening of thevessel.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the moving to a differentprocessing location comprises the additional step of inserting thedevice in a second sample vessel.
 18. The method of claim 9 wherein thedevice further comprises a second septum seal in a the bottom end of thedevice and comprising the additional step of inserting the sampledeposit/extraction element through the second septum seal afterinserting a the penetrating sample deposit/extraction element throughthe first septum seal, the conical guide, and into the reduced-diameterportion.
 19. The method of claim 9 wherein the sample vessel is one of aplurality of wells in a tray.